Two messages were loud and clear at a meeting Tuesday night about shootings and crime in Ward 9 and throughout the city.

Residents in the northeast section want the city to hire more police officers. And some of them also would like the Police Department to reconstitute the gang task force.

The opinions were expressed at the monthly Ward 9 meeting led by Councilman Frank Morris, D-9. Tuesday’s session at the North Branch of the Stark County District Library was dedicated to crime in light of the roughly dozen shootings in the city in August. Some have occurred in the St. Elmo Avenue NE area and other parts of the ward.

Some residents from outside Ward 9 also attended the meeting. Overall, roughly 50 people showed up.

Residents say that gunshots also are a frequent problem in some parts of northeast Canton, including the 22nd Street area.

Morris also referenced the city worker who was robbed while mowing at Schreiber Park on Maple Avenue NE.

The police presence has been “massive” lately in Ward 9, Morris said.

Morris, who has been a councilman for less than a year, said it has been well established that the city needs more police officers. “The next question is what in the hell can we do to protect our families and our properties and each other,” he said.

“The best thing you can do is (call police) and watch out for each other,” Prince said. Other suggestions were to keep lights on outside the house “and keep conscious of traffic going in and out.

The department recently instituted an intelligent-led policing group to focus on the string of recent shootings. The group includes two patrol officers, members of the special investigation unit and two detectives.

Councilwoman Chris Smith, D-4, complimented the past efforts of the gang task force, which was disbanded previously for staffing and budgetary reasons. She said the unit “cracked down” on crime.

Along with Morris and Smith, other council members also attended the meeting, including John Mariol II, D-7, Mary Cirelli, D-at large, Greg Hawk, D-1, and Thomas West, D-2.

CALLING POLICE

Residents expressed frustration over calling police and sometimes waiting hours for a response.